Author

  • Nino Samkharadze is a Junior Policy Analyst at GIP. At the same time, she is a PhD student at Tbilisi State University, Department of Political Science. She has obtained MA degree in Nationalism and Ethnicity Studies from TSU and BA degree in International Relations from International Black Sea University (IBSU). Being an invited lecturer at IBSU she delivers courses in Introduction to Political Science and Nationalism in International Relations. Nino’s research interests include nationalism, identity politics and their influence on political processes in the post-Soviet region.

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25/04/2022 Nino Samkharadze

Georgia-Ukraine Relations During the War: Strained Partnership

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Publish Date:
25-04-2022

Nino Samkharadze

The events following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the geopolitical changes in the Black Sea region and the wider West are directly related to Georgia’s security environment and European integration. There have been various risks for Tbilisi at every stage of the Russia-Ukraine war, including for how peace is established (GIP 2022). Therefore, it is vital for Georgia not only to maintain good relations with Ukraine, but to further enhance them to minimize these risks. However, relations between the two countries have been strained. At first, the rhetoric of the Government of Georgia (GoG) did not give any indication that the tension would be defused. However, the visit of the parliamentary delegation on April 15 is a significant step forward.

At this stage, we can discuss several mistakes made by Georgia’s political elite. These mistakes may be problematic for the country at various levels. This policy memo analyses the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party’s rhetoric and actions since the Russian invasion of Ukraine before the Georgian delegation’s visit (from February 24 to April 15). The document offers the reader a discussion on why the relations between the two strategic partners became tense in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, why this dynamic is harmful for Georgia’s security environment, and what GoG should rethink in its approach towards bilateral relations with Ukraine.

Also, in the following document:

  • Context Analysis: Georgia in the Face of a New Ukrainian Diplomacy During the War
  • Relations with a Strategic Partner in War: Mistakes and Impact

Policy Memo #55 | April 2022

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Nino Samkharadze

Nino Samkharadze is a Junior Policy Analyst at GIP. At the same time, she is a PhD student at Tbilisi State University, Department of Political Science. She has obtained MA degree in Nationalism and Ethnicity Studies from TSU and BA degree in International Relations from International Black Sea University (IBSU). Being an invited lecturer at IBSU she delivers courses in Introduction to Political Science and Nationalism in International Relations. Nino’s research interests include nationalism, identity politics and their influence on political processes in the post-Soviet region.